By Joe Johnson
An assistant district attorney this week resigned from the Western Judicial Circuit DA's Office after a Superior Court judge held him in contempt of court for failing to follow the judge's order to make arrangements for a prisoner to appear in the judge's courtroom for a status conference concerning an alleged probation violation.
Jason Hasty, formerly a senior ADA, tendered his resignation on Wednesday, notifying DA Deborah Gonzalez that his resignation would be effective as of July 28 .
The contempt issue involved Fredrick Ashmore, who was convicted of first-degree burglary in October 2015 and sentenced to serve two years in confinement and eight years on probation.
The 36-year-old Elbert County resident has subsequently been arrested four times for probation violations, most recently on Jan. 23.
According to court records, Judge Lawton Stephens ordered the DA's Office on May 24 "to prepare a transport order to have the defendant present for the probation status conference" that had been scheduled for Tuesday.
When Ashmore failed to appear for the conference, the judge continued the proceeding and gave the prosecutor a dressing down in a contempt order that stated how "the trial court is authorized to inflict summary punishment for any disobedience of a court officer."
Additionally, Stephens said, "In order to purge himself of contempt Mr. Hasty is ordered to pay $200 to the Boys and Girls Club."
On Thursday the DA's Office issued the following statement:
"Our highest priority is always to protect victims and witnesses. That being said, we consistently hold this office and those that work here to the highest standard. In our commitment to transparency and accountability, some team members failed to meet that mission. This is an internal personnel matter to be handled by District Attorney Gonzalez and her leadership team in accordance with the HR policies established by this office and the county. Our office is committed to retaining prosecutors and staff that seek justice first for our victims and witnesses."
Hasty's departure leaves an office tha is budgeted for overt a dozen prosecutors with only five.
The DA also is using several prosecutorial "apprentices" who are University of Georgia School off Law students.
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It is a shame that the DA can not live up to the statement that was presented. It is very difficult to over see or try a case in Georgia while in another state. Any business or office is a reflection of the leader.
In regards toward transparency, who were the team members who failed?
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So sad to see the continuing decline in Athens. And it is mostly self-inflicted.
Walking the plank for his boss perhaps thinking that the judiciary would keep giving the DA more and rope...maybe also realizing it is time to get of Ship Gonzalez! What competent ad experienced prosecutor would want to work for someone who demonstrates their incompetence then their ability to rapidly reload and do it again...again...again...!